Sycamore 74 Excellent
Sycamore Livability #214 ranked city in Illinois#4,131 ranked city in the USARanks better than 85% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Sycamore

PROS
  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

CONS
  • Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Ratings

    Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.

New Real Estate Listings in Sycamore Area
Search Homes for Sale in Sycamore, IL

What's it like Living in Sycamore?

Located in the state of Illinois, Sycamore is a moderately-sized city with a population of 17,990 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Sycamore is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Sycamore your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 26 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Sycamore, Illinois could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Sycamore and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.

The livability score in Sycamore is 73/100 and the city is ranked in the 84th percentile of all cities across America. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Sycamore ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (B), employment (B) and housing (A). On a more negative note, Sycamore does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Sycamore, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 150 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Sycamore, the unemployment rate stands at 2.65%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Sycamore excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Sycamore real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Sycamore. Median real estate prices in Sycamore come in at $199,500, which is 14.1% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Sycamore, the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 0% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Sycamore

See all the best places to live around Sycamore

How Do You Rate The Livability In Sycamore?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Sycamore, IL Livability

      vs

      Sycamore transportation information

      Statistic Sycamore Illinois National
      Average one way commute26min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.3%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.4%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.4%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.2%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.0%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home8.2%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Sycamore, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).